Share

Facebook

Tweet

Pinterest

Email

Press Release (all markets)

Land Rover publicly unveiled its redesigned 2013 Range Rover five-seat SUV in London on Thursday, with less weight and better fuel economy than its predecessors thanks in large part to a new all-aluminum unibody structure--the first of its kind in an SUV, according to Land Rover.

The company also announced that European Range Rover buyers will get a diesel hybrid option. The Range Rover hybrid will pair a 3.0-liter diesel engine with a 35kw electric motor. Land Rover says the combination will deliver sub-seven-second 0-to-60-mph times along with 45 mpg combined in the European fuel economy test.

U.S. customers will continue to get Land Rover's 5.0-liter gasoline V8 engines for the foreseeable future--the naturally aspirated unit produces 375 hp while the supercharged version nets 510 hp. New this year, both engines will be bolted to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with standard paddle shifters. A rotary shift knob similar to the one used in current Jaguar models replaces the stalk shifter.

Asked whether U.S. customers could expect a diesel Range Rover, vehicle line director Nick Rogers gave the predictable “wait and see” response, saying, “We have an engineering team exploring all sorts of possibilities. The development of this car won't stop where we are now.”

Boasting a 39-percent lighter body than the outgoing steel Range Rover, the 2013 model will be built at a new aluminum production facility at Land Rover's Solihull, U.K., factory. Coupled with other weight-reduction strategies, the result is a U.S.-spec Range Rover that's 700 pounds lighter than the current model: 4,850 pounds for the regular 5.0-liter V8 model and 5,137 pounds for the supercharged version.

The focus on weight reduction is ostensibly an effort to improve the Range Rover's dismal fuel economy, but Land Rover representatives stressed the model's improved stiffness and handling rather than any major fuel-efficiency gains for the American market: The supercharged 2013 model is estimated to get about 9 percent better fuel economy than the outgoing model; expect somewhere in the 15.5 mpg range.

Land Rover designers elected to not mess too much with a good thing, moving the styling toward that of the Range Rover Evoque without altering the Range Rover's distinctive tall, boxy look. A side graphic that appears cribbed from a Great White shark replaces the former bodyside air extractor, and wheels from 19 to 22 inches in diameter are offered.

What about ride smoothness now that Land Rover has done away with all that road-hugging weight? A four-corner air suspension should keep your tea in its cup, and Land Rover also claims cornering and steering feel have been improved. The new system works in conjunction with the company's Terrain Response 2 system that uses various sensors to determine the road surface and automatically makes adjustments to traction control, transmission, electronic differential, transfer box and the air suspension.

For off-roaders, the air suspension offers a variety of ride heights to cope with changing conditions. Depending upon the mode selected, up to 5.7 inches of lift over the standard ride height can be dialed up to get the new Range Rover out of trouble. Wading depth also approaches 3 feet.

Inside, rear legroom has been increased by 4.7 inches, while knee room is improved by almost 2 inches. Five-passenger seating is standard, but a newly available executive package adds rear buckets with an extended center console. Interior noise was a major focus during development. Land Rover claims the new Range Rover has less wind noise at 100 mph than the Audi A8 sedan, plus lower road noise at 30 mph than any other luxury SUV.

Want more on the 2013 Range Rover? Check out the full global markets press release below and stay tuned for a full drive review in the near future.

Whitley, UK, September 6, 2012 – Land Rover has announced the launch of the all-new Range Rover, the world's most refined and capable SUV.

The fourth generation of the iconic Range Rover line, the new model has been developed from the ground up to provide the ultimate luxury SUV, following the innovative spirit of the original design from over 40 years ago.

The world's first SUV with a lightweight all-aluminium body, the new Range Rover takes the capabilities of the marque's flagship to a new level, with even greater luxury and refinement, enhanced performance and handling on all terrains, and significant advances in sustainability.

“Launching the all-new Range Rover represents a major milestone for Land Rover, being the first exciting output from an unprecedented investment in premium vehicle technologies,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

“The new Range Rover preserves the essential, unique character of the vehicle – that special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability. However, its clean sheet design and revolutionary lightweight construction have enabled us to transform the experience for luxury vehicle customers, with a step change in comfort, refinement and handling.”

With sales scheduled to start in late 2012, the all-new Range Rover will be introduced in 170 markets worldwide.

Designed and engineered at Land Rover's development centres in the UK, the new Range Rover will be produced in a state-of-the-art new low-energy manufacturing facility at Solihull, UK.

Clean and contemporary design

The all-new Range Rover has a clean and elegant shape which is derived from a fresh new interpretation of Range Rover design cues. While instantly recognisable as a Range Rover, the new vehicle takes a significant step forward with a bold evolution of the model's iconic design language.

At just under 5m long, the new Range Rover has a very similar footprint to the outgoing model, but with a smoother and more streamline profile – the most aerodynamic Range Rover ever, with a drag coefficient starting from 0.34 – the roofline sits 20mm lower in access mode.

The luxurious interior has a modern and pure character, incorporating distinctive Range Rover design cues, but with a fresh and very contemporary treatment. The cabin retains the characteristic strong, architectural forms, and these are emphasised by extremely clean and elegant surfaces which are flawlessly executed using the finest leathers and veneers.

With over 118mm more legroom, the rear compartment offers vastly more space and comfort, with the option of the desirable new two-seat Executive Class seating package for the ultimate in rear-seat luxury.

To enable customers to create their perfect bespoke vehicle, the unique luxury ambience of the new Range Rover can be extensively tailored with an indulgent choice of colours, finishes and special details, from the immaculately-trimmed colour-themed interiors of the exclusive Autobiography series, to the stylish range of alloy wheels up to 22 inches in diameter.

Most refined, most capable Range Rover ever

The all-new Range Rover has been engineered from the ground up to be the most refined, most capable Range Rover ever. With the adoption of the latest body and chassis technologies, the vehicle's all-terrain performance has moved on to another level, both in the breadth and accessibility of its off-road capability, and its on-road handling and refinement.

Amongst the industry-leading innovations is a ground-breaking next-generation version of Land Rover's Terrain Response® system, which analyses the current driving conditions and automatically select the most suitable vehicle settings.

Outstanding traction and dynamic stability is provided by the proven Range Rover full-time intelligent 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer box, working in parallel with the sophisticated electronic traction control systems.

The new Range Rover's unmatched breadth of capability is also reflected in its tremendously strong structure with enhanced body geometry for all-terrain conditions, wading depth which has improved by 200mm to 900mm, and its position as the best towing vehicle in its class with a 3,500kg trailer capability.

To ensure exceptional durability and reliability, the new Range Rover has been subjected to Land Rover's punishing on- and off-road test and development regime, with a fleet of development vehicles covering countless thousands of miles over 18 months of arduous tests in over 20 countries with extremes of climate and road surfaces.

Refined and effortless driving experience

Range Rovers are renowned for providing occupants a sensation of serene isolation from the hectic world outside, and the new model has been engineered to meet the highest luxury car standards for refinement.

Meticulous attention to detail throughout the development process has eliminated all unwanted sounds and traces of harshness, and measures like the rigorously optimised body structure, acoustic lamination of the windscreen and side door glass, and new dual-isolated engine mounts have led to a significant reduction in noise levels.

The new chassis architecture is combined with completely re-engineered four-corner air suspension, and together they have enabled engineers to achieve even more luxurious ride comfort and refinement, in addition to transformed on-road handling, with more confident and agile cornering.

With its highly acclaimed line-up of torque-rich engines, the new Range Rover delivers swift and effortless performance. Customers have a choice of two petrol (5.0-litre 375 PS LR-V8 and 510PS LR-V8 Supercharged) and two diesel (3.0-litre 258PS TDV6 and 4.4-litre 339PS SDV8) engines, all of which are now paired with a smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission.

True to the Range Rover DNA, the new model features the unique Command Driving Position, placing the driver in an elevated, upright seating position – typically over 90mm higher than other premium SUVs – to provide a supreme sense of confidence and control.

Lightweight construction enhances performance and sustainability

The all-new Range Rover features a revolutionary all-aluminium monocoque body structure which is 39 per cent lighter than the steel body in the outgoing model.

Continuing Jaguar Land Rover's leadership in such aerospace-inspired, high-performance lightweight structures, the all-aluminium body enables the new vehicle to significantly enhance both performance and efficiency.

Combined with weight savings throughout the chassis and driveline, the lightweight structure contributes to a model-for-model weight saving of up to 350kg compared to the outgoing vehicle.

This weight saving heightens the characteristic Range Rover sensation of effortless performance, but also improves efficiency. For example, the 510PS LR-V8 Supercharged model can now accelerate from 0—60mph in just 5.1 seconds, a reduction of 0.8 seconds over the outgoing model. Fuel consumption, however, is cut by 9 per cent.

The lighter structure has also made it possible to introduce the sophisticated 3.0-litre TDV6 engine into the model line. With performance just as strong as the previous 4.4-litre TDV8 Range Rover, the smaller engine takes the total weight saving up to 420kg, and delivers a dramatic 22 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, achieving figures of 37.7mpg (7.5 lit/100km) and 196g/km.

The new Range Rover's environmental credentials will be further enhanced by the introduction of a state-of-the-art high-efficiency diesel hybrid model later in 2013 (target CO2 169g/km).

Premium Range Rover technologies

The all-new Range Rover has been engineered with the latest developments in vehicle technologies, from interior luxury features to advanced chassis and driver assistance technologies.

The interior is packed with a full suite of premium features to provide both front and rear seat passengers with the same peerless luxury experience. Their well-being is assured by the latest interior technologies for comfort, convenience and seamless connectivity. The new and improved features include:

• Convenience – premium features including keyless entry, soft door close with power latching, power upper and lower tailgates, cooler compartments, and electrically deployable towbar

• Voice control and connectivity – a seamless connectivity package for mobile devices

• Climate control – all-new best-in-class climate control systems, including the powerful new premium four-zone system and Park Heater timer facility

• Luxurious seating – upgraded seating with luxurious new features such as multi-mode massage, and the exclusive new Executive Class rear seating package

• Interior illumination – the latest LED illumination for subtle and sophisticated ambient lighting, including the ability to change the colour scheme to suit the driver's mood

To enhance dynamic performance, and to ensure that drivers enjoy a relaxed and stress-free experience behind the wheel, the new Range Rover incorporates a comprehensive range of advanced chassis and driver assistance technologies. Among the new and enhanced features are:

Andrew Stoy
- Digital editor Andrew Stoy has spent the past 20 years wrenching on and writing about cars. He's worked everywhere from dealer service bays to the headquarters of the world's largest automakers. Read more »See more by this author»